Veterans Day Free Meals And Events In North Carolina A Complete Guide

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, presents an opportunity for businesses and communities across North Carolina to show appreciation for military service members through complimentary meals, discounts, and special events. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the freebies, discounts, and celebrations available to veterans and active-duty military personnel throughout North Carolina during the 2025 Veterans Day observance.

Restaurant Freebies and Discounts in North Carolina

Numerous restaurants across North Carolina participate in Veterans Day by offering complimentary meals or significant discounts to veterans and active-duty military members. These offers typically require proof of military service, such as a military ID, and may have specific time restrictions or purchase requirements.

Central North Carolina

In central North Carolina, several restaurant chains have announced special Veterans Day offers:

• Applebee's: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a complimentary dine-in entrée from a select menu, which includes a 6-ounce top-choice sirloin or the popular bacon cheeseburger. Some locations also provide a $5 coupon for future use.

• Bad Daddy's Burger Bar: Offers a free All American Burger with a small side of fries, chips, or tater tots from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 11th. Military ID is required for eligibility.

• BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse: Veterans and active-duty service members receive a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with a minimum purchase of $11.95, plus a coupon for a free appetizer on their next visit.

• Bob Evans: Provides a special menu available at no cost to veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11th.

• Bonefish Grill: Offers veterans and active-duty military a complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp and a soft drink. Additionally, the restaurant provides a 10% discount to service members throughout the year.

• BurgerFi: Military members can receive 20% off their entire order on Veterans Day.

• California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free non-alcoholic beverage and a choice of one entrée from the restaurant's special Veterans Day menu.

Charlotte Area

Charlotte and surrounding communities offer numerous dining options for Veterans Day:

• Carolina Ale House: While specific details were not fully available in the source material, this establishment participates in Veterans Day offerings for military members.

• Various restaurants in the Charlotte area are expected to join the growing list of businesses showing appreciation through special promotions.

Triangle Region

Restaurants in the Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) also participate in honoring veterans:

• Bonefish Grill: Offers complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp and soft drink to veterans and active-duty military on November 11th.

• Multiple local establishments are expected to announce their Veterans Day offers as the date approaches.

Fayetteville Area

Fayetteville restaurants have several notable Veterans Day offerings:

• Applebee's: Three Fayetteville locations (1961 Skibo Road, 5225 Ramsey St., and 7810 Good Middling Drive) are offering complimentary dine-in entrées from a select menu, plus a $5 coupon redeemable within three weeks.

• Anstead Tobacco Company: Located at 320 N. McPherson Church Road, offers a cigar, doughnut, and coffee package for $1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on November 11th, sponsored by Hooten Young and Duck Donuts.

• Bad Daddy's Burger Bar: Located at 1800 Skibo Road, Suite 332, offers a free Bad Daddy's Burger with a classic side when dining in from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Biggby Coffee: Located at 180 Andrews Road, offers a 16-ounce beverage for $1.99 on Veterans Day.

• Bonefish Grill: Complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp and soft drink on November 11th.

Community Events and Ceremonies

Beyond restaurant offers, communities across North Carolina are hosting Veterans Day ceremonies, celebrations, and special events to honor service members.

Central North Carolina

• The Town of Garner is presenting a Veterans Day Observance on Tuesday, November 11th, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Aversboro Road Baptist Church, located at 1600 Aversboro Road.

• Raleigh's Veterans Day celebration is scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at John Chavis Memorial Park, located at 505 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

• Cary will host a Veterans Day celebration on November 11th at Harrison Ave., featuring Marine Corps veteran Ron Brigham as speaker. A special Field of Flags will be displayed at Veterans Freedom Park.

• Morrisville is holding a Veterans Day celebration on Friday, November 7th, 2025, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Cedar Fork Community Center, located at 1050 B Town Hall Drive. Veterans and one guest each are invited to enjoy a continental breakfast, camaraderie, and entertainment. Registration is required.

• A free catered lunch for veterans is available on Friday, November 7th, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prestonwood Country Club, located at 300 Prestonwood Parkway in Cary. Registration is required.

Charlotte Area

• The Veterans Day program in Cornelius will take place on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Veterans Monument at Rotary Plaza, located at 21445 Catawba Avenue (behind Cornelius Town Hall).

• The Town of Mooresville is hosting a week of Veterans Day events, including a ceremony, parade, flag processional, free meals for veterans, and a blood drive.

• The Town of Indian Trail's Veterans Day ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Indian Trail Town Hall, located at 315 Matthews-Indian Trail Road.

Triangle Region

• Orange County will host a Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Orange County Veterans Memorial, located at 2501 Homestead Drive in Chapel Hill.

• Duke University is holding a commemoration ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Duke University Chapel, located at 401 Chapel Drive in Durham.

• The North Carolina Veterans Day Ceremony details were not fully available in the source material.

Fayetteville Area

While specific Fayetteville community events were not detailed in the source material, the region offers numerous restaurant options for veterans as previously mentioned.

National Chains with NC Locations

Several national restaurant chains with North Carolina locations are participating in Veterans Day offers:

• Main Event: Offers veterans a free double cheeseburger with fries and 30 minutes of gameplay on November 11th.

• McCormick & Schmick's: Provides veterans, National Guard members, Gold Star parents, Gold Star spouses, and active military with a select half-priced entrée on Sunday, November 9th, 2025.

• Menchie's Frozen Yogurt: Offers veterans their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt free on Veterans Day.

• Metro Diner: Provides veterans with 50% off their meals on November 11th.

• Mission BBQ: Offers a free sandwich to veterans at noon, accompanied by a live performance of the National Anthem.

• Ninety Nine Restaurant + Pub: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free lunch entrée with the purchase of an adult entrée from opening until 4 p.m., plus a $5 reward card for their next visit.

• O'Charley's: Provides veterans and active-duty military with a free entrée from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both November 10th and 11th.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 offers numerous opportunities for military service members to receive complimentary meals, discounts, and special recognition across North Carolina. From restaurant chains offering free entrées to community celebrations and ceremonies, veterans have multiple ways to be honored on November 11th.

When planning to participate in these offers, veterans should remember to bring appropriate identification, verify participation details with individual locations, and note any specific time restrictions or purchase requirements. The growing number of businesses participating in Veterans Day appreciation demonstrates the community's recognition of military service and sacrifice.

For the most current information, veterans are encouraged to check with specific venues directly, as participation details may change or additional offers may be announced as Veterans Day approaches.

Sources

1. ABC11 Veterans Day Free Meals in Central NC
2. Charlotte on the Cheap Veterans Day Deals
3. Triangle on the Cheap Veterans Day Events
4. Fayetteville Observer Veterans Day Discounts
5. American Legion Veterans Day Deals
6. WRAL Veterans Day Free Meals